Julie graduated from Brigham Young University and taught elementary school for four years in Utah and two years in Oregon. Sheldon graduated from the University of Utah and was accepted in the optometry program at Pacific University in Oregon.
After many years struggling to start a family, Jace joined Sheldon and Julie's family in 2009 through adoption. When they met their son’s birthmother they felt so strongly that her decision was right for everyone involved, and they formed an instant connection to her. She allowed them to become parents and in doing so blessed their lives immensely.
For anyone who has know Julie and Sheldon, it is apparent what loving and caring parents they are. Their entire world revovled around Jace. Since Jace's birth, Julie became a stay at home mom and loved every minute of it. She and Jace would go on many adventures during the day while Sheldon was working hard at optometry school. It was clear that Jace and Julie had a special connection.
The summer of 2011, Sheldon finally finished the long road of optometry school and accepted a job in Shelton, WA. The Olsen's were so happy to finally settle down and build a life in Washington.
We know that Jace and Sheldon are in God's hands now. They are angels above us and we shall celebrate the amazing lives they led here on Earth. Our hearts break for Julie as she copes with the loss of her family. Please help in any way that you can. She is a very strong woman, but some journeys are not meant to be travelled alone.
Julie I haven't stopped praying for you since I heard the news. I hope that your faith in Christ and your loving family will help you through this trial. Please know I love you and send the my love and prayers!
ReplyDeleteWe love you & pray for you at this difficult time!
ReplyDeleteI learned of this tragedy through my friend Holly, Sheldon's sister. So sorry for what I can only imagine to be an incredibly difficult loss, and wishing you peace and comfort in your time of sorrow.
ReplyDeleteMy daughter and I met Sheldon as we were walking out of Walmart on a very hot summer day. He was standing out at the front of Walmart introducing himself as the new optomatrist. When he said he went to school in Utah, I just had to ask if he was LDS, and he proudly said yes then we discovered that your new little family was in our ward. Sheldon radiated a warmth and an endearing smile. I have been praying for you ever since I found out Julie, and can't express how sorry I am about your loss. You have many people who will be here for you to help in any way, and lots and lots of prayers for your comfort and strength to get through this.
ReplyDeleteJulie.... We don't know you personally but we do know your sister, Natalie. Shane is Natalie's husbands cousin. We just read about your story and your sad loss. Please know our whole family is praying for you! Know that your Heavenly Father has a plan for you and is ever mindfull of you! You are sooooo loved by Him and everyone around you and even people you don't personally know. Our thoughts and prayers are with you!
ReplyDeleteMuch love,
Shane and Channa Ellsworth Family
So very sorry for your loss,Your family is in God's hands as well as you. Praying for you.
ReplyDeleteJulie, our hearts and prayers go out to your sweet heart. We were in our third year of school when you were beginning. How we will mightily pray for your comfort and helps over this next period of time.
ReplyDeletePraying for you! I can't even imagine what you are going through. I will lift you up daily...((((((HUGS)))))
ReplyDeleteJulie, I do not know you but my heart is absolutely breaking for you right now. I pray for Gods Love,Peace and Comfort to shower you during this time..For it is beyond our understanding...you are in my prayers..Psalm 46:1- God is our refuge and strengh, a very present help in Touble. Therefore will not we fear".....((hugs))
ReplyDeleteJulie,
ReplyDeleteI hope you feel the arms of the Lord around you during this difficult time. Know the Lord will always share His love with us when we need it and I know that He is with you at this time.
I haven't met you or your family Julie, but I wanted you to know that I am crying for you and praying for you. I am so sorry about this difficult and tragic experience. I hope you can feel peace during this sorrowful time.
ReplyDeleteVery sorry for your loss!
ReplyDeleteJulie,
ReplyDeleteI dont know you but I am one of Heidi's friends and met Sheldon when I went to her house. I am so sorry to hear about your loss and you and your family is in my thoughts and prayers at this time of need. Everyone is saying how strong you are and you would have to be a very strong person to be going through this.. Keep your heard up and keep them in your heart...When you are having a rough day just look up to the sky because they are looking down on you..and then picture your family looking at eachother.
I'm friends of your husbands family. Your family is in my prayers. I'm not sure how much comfort you can feel right now, but during deaths in our family I usually read this quote over and over again, "We do know, however, that the affections born in mortality extend into the eternal world, and that those whom we love here we will also love there. Indeed, interest in the well-being of mortal family and loved ones appears to be even greater among the dead than among the living. The Prophet Joseph Smith taught that "the spirits of the just are exalted to a greater and more glorious work; hence they are blessed in their departure to the world of spirits. Enveloped in flaming fire, they are not far from us, and know and understand our thoughts, feelings, and motions, and are often pained therewith." Mark L. McConkie, The Father of the Prophet, p. 158.
ReplyDeleteI wish I knew what to say, but I know there are many that are thinking of you, praying for you, and hearts are growing and overflowing for you. HE will get you through this - that I do know.
ReplyDelete~Jamie
This is such a great blog! Julie, my heart goes out to you. You are such a wonderful person! Sheldon is such a great guy! We'll miss him and Jace very much! -Danny
ReplyDeleteWhile words can not express the profound sorrow I have for you, please know that you are in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteJulie...I dont know you but so very sory for your loss I cant imagine what you going through right now, Im thinking about you and Im praying for you, Lots of hugs from me to you.
ReplyDeleteYou don't know me, but my heart hurts for your lose. You and your family are in our prayers. May you have comfort and courage at this time. God bless and keep you.
ReplyDeleteSheldon and I attended school together from 6-12th grade in Vernal Utah. He was a great person and I have fond memories of him. I am so sorry for your loss.
ReplyDeleteJulie, you do not know me but I went to school with Sheldon in Vernal. My heart aches for you. You and your family are in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteJulie, my heart breaks for you. I can't even imagine going through this, but know that you are loved and Jace and Sheldon are too. We will miss little Jace in his stylish suit and his smile that would light up his face. How proud he was that he could say "Tucker" (usually followed by "stop" as they both went after a ball). We love you and you are always in my thoughts.
ReplyDeleteJulie, I don't know you but I am a friend of a friend. I heard about what happened this weekend and I have not stopped thinking about you and all those affected by this loss. I pray that you will be encircled about in the arms of His love as you journey through the next period of healing and understanding of Heavenly Fathers plan for you. I marvel at the strength that our Father in Heaven sees in you and for what you have been through and are going through. You are in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteJulie,
ReplyDeleteI will always think of my cousin Sheldon as a jokester (in a good way.) :) He seemed to always be happy and cheerful too. I have not stopped thinking about you, Sheldon and Jace since I heard the news from my mom. I'm so, so, so sorry. I hope that you know we are thinking about you, praying for you and loving you although we live a distance away. I pray that you will feel love at this difficult time. We love you. Krista, Johnny and family.
Julie,
ReplyDeleteHeidi is my sister-in-law and I want to let you know that when we heard about it, we instantly began praying for you. You are mentioned in every prayer that we offer. I am so sorry for your loss. Sheldon was a great man. It is our prayer that you have the comfort and solace that you so richly deserve. We pray that God sends in holy angels to bolster you. Please know that these prayers will continue to be there for you.
With much love and sympathy,
Brent and Candy Hales and family
Petal, Mississippi
I am friends with one of your college friends. I am so sorry to hear of your loss. It is such an awful situation. I pray that your faith in Christ and eternal families brings you hope and peace. I know you will get to see your sweet husband and son again some day. May the Lord bless you in your time of need.
ReplyDeleteA Friend in Christ
Boise, Idaho
Julie, We are so much blessed by just knowing you and your husband. YOur little guy, Jace, warmed my heart the first time I saw you in our ward here in Shelton. He is beautiful. I wish I could take all the pain away, I feel for you and your family.
ReplyDeleteGod will continue to bless and comfort you.
Julie, I am sorry for your loss. I can not even imagine! I went to school with Sheldon in Vernal. I remember loving to talk to him because he was always smiling, no matter what! He is such a good guy! May Heavenly Father carry you through this difficult time in your life.
ReplyDeleteJulie,
ReplyDeleteMay our Heavenly Father wrap you in His arms and provide you and your loved ones strength during such a difficult time.May you find a glimmer of peace in knowing that you will be together again.I do not feel it was "His" intent to take your loving husband and son that day,instead a tragic accident.Please find peace in knowing that your boys traveled home together,just as our Heavenly Father is traveling with you.Our prayers for strength,love and comfort to you are here allow them to enter your heart,just as you allow your heart and soul to listen to our Heavenly Father.May the earthly body of Sheldon be found soon so he may be laid to rest next to your sweet boy.There will never be words enough to numb your pain and sorrow,please know many are reaching out to take some of this weight and help carry it for you.Stay strong and know you are loved.....
Dear Julie,
ReplyDeleteYour sister- in-law Holly lives in my home with me and my 3 children. I am a single mother who lost the love of my life this past December. Holly has mourned with me and comforted me day in and day out. I now mourn with her and comfort her...and together we now embrace and sob as we both mourn for you. I know that there are no earthly words that can take away your pain and sorrow right now...please just know that we are praying deeply for you everyday.
Dearest Julie,
ReplyDeleteMay God give you the strength you need to get through tragic loss! There arent even words for what you're going through... but please know there are literally thousands & thousands of people praying for your comfort... and we wont stop! May you feel the arms of The Lord tightly around you - He will never leave you in your time of need.
We have been & will continue to be, constantly praying for you!!
The Rae family
Dear Julie,
ReplyDeleteI want you to know our family's prayers have been with you ever since we heard the news. My Dad and your mother-in law Carol are step-brother and sister. I know that Heavenly Father loves you and your family and he will keep that big bubble of peace and comfort over you as long as you need it. Sheldon and your sweet little boy will be close to you throughout your life, there will be times you feel them right next to you.
With Love,
Caralee Turnidge
May the Heavenly Father bless you and hold you in his hands and comfort you during this time of your terrible grief. Many people care and will always be with you. Your beautiful baby had loving parents and will forever be loved. Seek them in your dreams.
ReplyDeleteAs someone told me when I was suffering the loss of my mother, it will get better. At your own pace, my dear, and no one else's.
We are praying for you and sending you lots of hugs.
ReplyDeleteThe Kennon Family
Dearest Julie,
ReplyDeleteThis is Suzanne and Robert Hennefer from Salt Lake City.
Our hearts are broken! The tears haven't stopped since Bishop Maloy announced this over the pulpit on March 18. We were following on line and our prayers have been answered. This weeks news came as such a blessing to everyone.
I have been trying to reach your parents to offer our home to you and your family once you get here to SLC. Bishop Hennefer and I have such a special love for you and Sheldon. He remembers with fondness, the blessing he gave you before you left to Forest Grove. My time working side by side with you in the Young Women's program in the 31st ward was one of my most fulfilling and memorable experiences to this day. Bishop Hennefer was often amazed how you and Sheldon excelled in your callings and did much more than was expected in everything you were asked to do. You were such a strength and example to others in our ward. I love you Julie! We both love you so much! Please call on us anytime and let us be a part of your life still.
You are precious to us and always will be.
May God grant you the understanding and peace you ask for, as you work through this difficult test you've been called to endure in your life. May we all learn from you and gain your level of strength and testimony. How grateful we all are to know that your precious Sheldon and Jace are yours forever and you will once again be with them. You are one of the most sincere and righteous women I know. Your faith in a loving Heavenly Father and his Son Jesus Christ will carry you through it all.
We will see you soon here in SLC and are ready to help in every way.
We love you always,
Suzanne and Robert Hennefer
Julie- I am absolutely heartbroken over your loss...I just heard your story this morning and am truly sick over it. I can only imagine what you are going through and I pray that you will have the strength, comfort, and hope that only our Heavenly Father can give you. It looks like you've got so many family and friends that care about you - and lots of strangers too!! My thoughts and prayers will be with you.
ReplyDeleteJulie, we were in your parents' ward in Las Vegas for a short time. Just know that we are praying for you to be comforted and to receive the strength and support you need.
ReplyDeleteI am from Vernal as well although I don't believe I have ever met your husband. I just wanted you to know that I have heard great things about him and what an amazing man he is. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and we pray that God will comfort and bless you in the days ahead.
ReplyDeleteJulie,
ReplyDeleteLike many others here, I have never met you. Sheldon was my district leader while we were serving in Germany.
He is a great man who taught me to try a little harder and work a little smarter. I live here in Port Orchard and had no idea your family was so close. I am heartbroken for you and ache for your loss. Yes, you are an Eternal Family and the plan of Salvation is real and miraculous, but that doesn't mean that death is without its sting. I am so so sorry. Please know that a little family you have never seen is kneeling in prayer and asking for His comfort to sustain you now and in the months ahead.
Kelly Spangler Taylor
Julie, I am so saddened to hear about what happened. I was one of Sheldon's mission companions and I know what kind of man and missionary he was so I know without a doubt what kind of father and husband he must have turned into.
ReplyDeleteI am so very sorry for your loss Last night when I found out about this my heart fell and my 6 year old daughter saw my tears and asked me what was wrong. I told her and she cried too and said "don't worry daddy he will live again". Such simple faith from a child. Together we knelt down to pray for you.
As is clearly demonstrated with all of these comments you are not alone here on earth or in the eternal aspect of things. Your Heavenly Father loves you and he knows exactly how you are feeling. Trust in him and he will guide you through these difficult waters.
Jason Denton and Family
Julie, I don't know you, but I want you to know how sorry I am for your loss. We will keep you in our family prayers. I hope time will heal your heart.
ReplyDeleteKellie
I know there are NO WORDS, even with the large number of comments/acts of love/prayers being given that can begin to remove the pain you feel. I comment only to add to the list that prayers of peace and comfort for your sweet spirit being sent up for you at this time. May the vail be ever so thin and may you feel quite literally the arms of an amazing and powerful loving Heavenly Father and Savior in your life. May you be able to actually FEEL wrapped in HIS love and may it help you to KNOW that Sheldon and Jace are along side you, crying with you but cheering you on. You must be an AMAZING woman and spirit...I bet you don't want to be...I wouldn't want to be either...but no doubt your strength, love and faith will help you immensely as you begin to put little pieces of healing onto that big, gaping wound of a soul. It is my fervant prayer that as the hours become days and the days turn to months and the months then to years...that you will find MANY small miracles that keep that vail thin and help you to feel EVER connected to the other side with your husband and son. I'm so sorry you have to do this...sorry you have to face this...and so inspired by your youthful faith in this ever challenging time. Love being sent from Arizona...
ReplyDeleteGod Bless you! My prayers are with your family, Julie, and I am so sorry for your loss. What a beautiful family you have.
ReplyDeleteJulie, you have been in my thoughts and prayers ever since I heard the news of your loss of Jace and Sheldon. My heart hurts with you and I pray that the Lord will renew your strength every morning. I know many of your Mooberry friends are lifting you up as well. Thank you for sharing your beautiful pictures and precious memories of your loving family. God Bless, Jan B.
ReplyDelete